Summer 2009 1MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS

Vol. 27 • No. II • Summer 2009

For the third year in a row,the summer feature exhibit

at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

has been bestowed the

AAA Southern Travel Treasure Awardby the American

Automobile Association.

This year the award recognizesMonsters of the Deepas a “must see” during your summer travels!

Join us beneath the sea.

Join us beneath the sea for our largest exhibit ever!

Natural Newsline

Jun 13 - Jan 8

was organized by PaleoFun, Inc.

and its display at the Mississippi Museum of Natural

Science is sponsored through the generosity of:

Gertrude C. Ford Foundation,Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Hughes,

Janet & Luther Ott Charitable Fund of the Community

Foundation of Greater Jackson,The Walker Foundation,

and other generous supporters listed on page 11.

1st Annual Photo Contest The “Back to Nature” photography contest begins May 1, 2009 and

ends on February 1st, 2010. This photography contest is designed

to encourage Museum visitors to venture out and capture the natural beauty of the wildlife and habitats

seen on the grounds of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and along the trails of

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Contestants are also allowed to enter photos that have been taken inside

the Museum. Winning contestants will receive awards and their photographs

will be exhibited for all Museum visitors to see. For more details, visit www.msnaturalscience.org

and click on The Latest or call 601-354-7303 for

official guidelines and entry form.

Jr. Duck Stamp Competition

Katelee Laird, a student at Cathedral High School in Natchez, MS,

is the winner of the Best of Show award in the

2009 Mississippi Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition.

Katelee’s color acrylic depiction of a pair of Wood Ducks

will be forwarded to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp office in Washington, D.C. to compete with all state winners for the national awards.

Katalee’s artwork was submitted by her art teacher, Andree Gamberi.

Contests

THE NATURAL NEWSLINE IS SPONSORED IN PART BY THE JACKSON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU.

Although the creatures of the deep have changed over the past 65 million years, we are still fascinated with the modern marvels of present day monsters, such as the elusive Giant Squid, fearsome sharks, and amazing whales. The Museum is pleased to present this opportunity to experience the scale of these awesome creatures and learn more about the oceans they inhabit today. Check our calendar, online or in this issue, for times and dates of coordinated special programming to complement Monsters of the Deep. In June and July, enjoy the exciting, interactive, hands-on programs of Fun Fridays, offered by Museum Education staff. For months to come, hear scientific lectures presented by experts who will unravel the mysteries of sharks, gar, sturgeon and other modern day “monsters” of Mississippi coastal waters.

Monsters of the Deep, now on display at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science until January 8, 2010, transports visitors into the underwater world of prehistoric creatures and modern-day aquatic giants. Exhibits feature skeletons and realistically fleshed-out models. With their incredible teeth, gaping jaws, and long snake-like necks, the bizarre monsters of the ancient seas were unlike anything known today. In this thrilling prehistoric world, huge carnivorous, marine reptiles, such as sea turtles the size of a car, filled the oceans.

“Don’t miss the 21 foot, fleshed-out, 40-million-year-old toothed Zygorhiza whale that complements our very own ‘Ziggy’!” explains Libby Hartfield, Museum director.

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Creature Comforts(every Thursday)

9am on MPB

Monstrous Fun Fridays(June & July)

10am to 12noon

Make a SplashFRI • SEPT 258am to 3pm

Slither, Crawl & FlySAT • OCT 31

10am to 12noon

Natural Christmas Crafting

SAT • DEC 5 & 1210am to 12noon

Quick Calendar

M U S E U M S TA F FLibby HartfieldMuseuM Director

Charles KnightAssistANt MuseuM Director

A D M I N I S T R A T I O NMary Jenkins

eXecutiVe AssistANt

Connie GoreGift shop MANAGer

Mary StevensLiBrAriAN

Harold GarnerfAciLities MAiNteNANce

MANAGer

Fran NoonereceptioNist

Charles JeffcoatcustoDiAN

A Q U A R I U M SKaren DierolfAquAtic BioLoGist

Bryan FedrickAquAtic BioLoGist

John HardyAquAriuM AssistANt

Mike StegallAquArist

E D U C A T I O NAngel Rohnke

Education coordinator

Crystie BakeroutreAch NAturAList

Joan ElderpreschooL eDucAtor

Megan EllisoutreAch NAturAList

Andrea SchuhmannoutreAch NAturAList

Jonathan HarriseDucAtor

Yolanda HawkinseDucAtioN AssistANt

Rebecca JonesspeciAL eVeNts

Isabel KellypreschooL eDucAtor

Joseph M. McGeeoutreAch NAturAList

Ann PedenVoLuNteer serVices

Nicole PhillipsNAturAList

Corey WrightNAturAList

E X H I B I T M A N A G E M E N T

Norton McKeigneyeXhiBits superVisor

Ray TerryeXhiBits superVisor

N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E Sherry Surrette, Ph.D

naturaL HEritaGE ProGraM coordinator

Joelle CarneyDAtABAse MANAGer

Adrianne ClarkDAtABAse techNiciAN

Aaron FrancoisDAtABAse techNiciAN

Tom MannBioLoGist

Andy Sandersonecologist

Matt SmithDAtABAse MANAGer

Heather SullivanBotANist

Andrew WhitehurstsceNic streAMs /

NAturAL AreAs coorDiNAtor

R E S E A R C H & C O L L E C T I O N S

Lisa Yager, Ph.D.rEsEarcH coordinator

Jeremy CopleycoLLectioNs/reseArch

AssistANt

R.L. Jones, Ph.D.herpetoLoGist

Sean McGregorcoNserVAtioN

AssociAte BioLoGist

Susan MurraycoNserVAtioN GeNeticist

Scott PeytoncoLLectioNs MANAGer

George PhillipspALeoNtoLoGy curAtor

Kathy SheltonBioLoGist

LaToya TurnerLABorAtory AssistANt

Nicholas Winstead orNithoLoGist

M I S S I S S I P P I D E PA R T M E N T O F W I L D L I F E , F I S H E R I E S A N D PA R K S

Sam Polles, Ph.D.executive Director

Al Tuck Robert Cook Deputy Director Deputy ADministrAtor

COMMISSIONERSJohn C. Stanley, IV

chAirmAn

Billy Deviney Jerry Munro Bryan Jones Charles Rigdon

New Staff

Welcome Andrea Schuhmann, the Museum’s newest

Outreach Educator and Naturalist covering northeast Mississippi.

Andrea received her B.S. in Biology and her M.S. in Forestry

from the University of Kentucky. Andrea has worked on a variety of projects throughout several states

studying large mammals (e.g. elk, black bear, and moose).

She resides in Oxford and is an outdoor enthusiast.

Project WILD Facilitator of the Year

Congratulations go out to Megan Ellis for receiving Mississippi’s

Project WILD Facilitator of the Year award. She provides hands-on

programs and teacher workshops in northwest Mississippi.

Megan is a remarkable facilitator, exposing the Delta’s children

and teachers to Mississippi’s magnificent wildlife.

Megan’s enthusiasm and knowledge of wildlife encourages

all Mississippians to embrace the outdoors with passion and curiosity.

The Museum of Natural Science is blessed to be located in a community that appreciates and supports our endeavors. This support has been manifested in several critical areas recently. Even during this tough economic situation the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation has been able to garner the financial support needed to bring Monsters of the Deep to Mississippi. This exhibit has had success around the country and I know our audience will enjoy it. Please notice the donors listed in this Newsline and give them your thanks. I am pleased to announce that our attendance has been up by 7% during the last twelve months. The Museum staff has worked hard to offer the services our visitors want and others are taking notice: • The MPB episode, “Simply Science”, featuring the Museum’s “Fossil Road Show

2008”, has been nominated for an Education Emmy. The ceremony takes place in Atlanta this summer.

• For the third year in a row, our visiting special exhibit has been recognized by Triple-A, as an AAA Southern Travel Treasure—Monsters of the Deep 2009, DINOSAURS! 2008, Hunters of the Sky 2007.

• The Museum was recognized this spring at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. For the fourth time, the Mississippi Development Authority declared our museum the state’s Travel Attraction of the Year, for demonstrating results in bringing tourists and visitors to Jackson.

• This summer also marks the seventh time that the Museum has been awarded the coveted Attraction of the Year SUMITT Award (Superlative Merit in Travel & Tourism) by the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau. This honor is all the more cherished as it is a vote of confidence from our peers: the volunteers, employees and organizations of the tourism industry.

And on another front, the Museum Foundation has joined forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson to establish a restricted fund account designated for the Museum of Natural Science. So now there is one more avenue available for our supporters and friends to help us.

Libby Hartfield museum Director

Creature Comforts Thursdays on the MPB

C reature Comforts is a live radio show about all of Mississippi’s critters—big or small, furry or scaled, wild or domestic. Every Thursday morning at 9:00am, Museum director Libby Hartfield teams up with local veterinarian Dr. Troy Majure, and a guest scientist or specialist for a rollicking discussion of pertinent animal-related topics. Guided by Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Kevin Farrell, the team takes call-in questions from listeners across the state. Join the live fun with a call to the team at 877-672-7464.

Fun Fridays Monstrous hands-on action

T his summer, join the Museum’s Education staff for Fun Fridays and experience interactive, hands-on programs coordinated with our current feature exhibit Monsters of the Deep. These family-friendly programs, for accompanied children, are offered every Friday in June and July.

DATES TOPICJune 19 Tracks & Signs June 26 Under the SeaJuly 3 Giants of the DeepJuly 10 Jaws or No JawsJuly 17 Monsters Then & NowJuly 24 Little MonstersJuly 31 Jaws

Make a Splash Celebrating water education

T his fun, interactive water day allows students to explore a variety of water-related topics. Students, teachers and volunteers participate in hands-on water conservation activities such as “The Migration Game” and “The Incredible Journey”. Teachers may register third and fourth grade classes to participate. Call the Museum for more information and to register.

Slither, Crawl & Fly Snakes, Spiders, Bats, oh my!

T ouch a snake, examine a bat specimen, observe a spider, and understand the beneficial role they play in the ecosystem. Leave with a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.

Natural Christmas CraftingFun holiday activities

G et in the holiday spirit with these hands-on natural ornament-making sessions. All ages welcome!

Christmas for the BirdsDEC 5 • SAT • 10am–12noon Learn how to create natural ornaments that will help feed the birds during the winter months.

Nature-Made ChristmasDEC 12 • SAT • 10am–12noomMake fun ornaments using natural and recycled objects.

Staff Notes

Dee Gardner (mmNS fouNdatioN public relatioNS), Sherry Surrette (Natural heritage program coordiNator), Chris Zachow (preSideNt of mmNS fouNdatioN), Halla Joe Ellis (paSt preSideNt of mmNS fouNdatioN), Angel Rohnke (educatioN coordiNator) receiving the award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism Kevin Farrell (Host of Creature Comforts); Libby Hartfield (Museum Director); Dr. Troy Majure (Owner/Veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in Jackson)

Make a Splash - Photo by James Patterson

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From Idea to Exhibit Hall Deoxyribonucleic Acid Frozen in Timeby Susan Murray, MMNS Conservation Geneticist

Genetic Resources Collectionwill assist with conservation of rare species.

I n 2001, Museum researchers began preserving tissue for future genetic studies. Soon afterwards, a conservation genetics lab was created and efforts began in earnest to build the collection and conduct genetic research on threatened and endangered species in Mississippi. The collection has grown and now includes material from over 3,500 individuals of fish, crawfish, mussels, snakes, turtles and mammals. The purpose of the Genetic Resources collection is to provide a repository of genetic material for use in research and as an historical record of the genetic diversity of Mississippi organisms. The collection is continually increasing through survey work, collecting efforts, and ongoing research projects conducted by the researchers at the Museum and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

We are currently improving our genetic resources collection by transferring all of the specimens from storage in alcohol to an ultra-cold freezer that maintains a temperature of -80°C.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the molecule most often used in genetic research.

DNA breaks down very quickly after an organism dies, and storing tissue in alcohol slows down this process but does not stop it. Moving the tissue collection to our new freezer will allow us to prevent the DNA from breaking down any further and will allow us to extract high quality DNA from our specimens.

“In the conservation genetics lab, I study the variation in DNA across populations and species to help address conservation issues, such as assessing the genetic viability of imperiled populations and determining the taxonomic status of species. Currently, I am working on the molecular systematics (the science of classifying and naming species) of crayfish in Mississippi. Crayfish are an economically and ecologically important group of animals; however, few people realize how diverse crayfish really are. There are more than 540 different types of freshwater crayfish in the world, with the southeastern United States having the largest concentration of species. Here in Mississippi, we have over 63 different species of crayfish, 17 of which are only known to occur in Mississippi. In addition, there are as many as 10 new species of crayfish in Mississippi that are yet to be described. My research focuses on a group of crayfish that are almost entirely endemic to Mississippi and make up the genus Hobbseus. We know very little about this group, and many of the species are being tracked by the Natural Heritage Program and may be imperiled. I have combined forces with Dr. Bob Jones, our resident crayfish expert, to examine the relationships among Hobbseus species using genetic data. The different species of Hobbseus are very difficult to distinguish using just appearance or morphology, and in most cases only reproductively active males can be identified to species. The genetic data will allow us to identify an individual to species regardless of sex, age, or reproductive condition. This will allow us to collect more information about these elusive crayfish and help determine their conservation status.” Susan Murray

If permanent exhibits are the backbone of our museum then special exhibits are a refreshing breath.

E ach year the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science selects at least one large and one moderately-sized special exhibit to complement its overall mission and reenergize its message. These special features foster renewed interest from our frequent visitors and spark awareness for folks who have never graced our doors. They bring wonders from across the globe, igniting imaginations and fueling minds with beneficial understanding of our natural world. Shopping for and deciding which of many tantalizing traveling exhibits to bring here to Mississippi is a big job. Our team of scientists work closely with our exhibit staff to ensure that each exhibit contains relevant biological information, an appropriate educational message, and geographic significance. We spend several months planning, researching, funding, designing, and installing each one, as well as developing educational programming, special events, and promotion.

In choosing special exhibits, one of our first tasks is resolving the logistics of bringing any one of them to our Museum. Is there a time slot on its travel schedule that matches our calendar? What are the costs of rental, shipping, and installation? Are there sponsors, who feel as we do that it has a worthwhile and beneficial message to share with Mississippi families? Do we have enough room within our facilities? Any of these traveling exhibits can range from 3 to 5 tractor-trailers full of scientific models, fossils, and equipment. On occasion, display components

were so large that Museum doors had to be taken down just to get them into the building! Once the main elements are in

The mission of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is to promote understanding and appreciation of Mississippi’s biological diversity through collections, research, scientific databases, education, and exhibits; and to inspire the people of our state to respect the environment and to preserve natural Mississippi.

place, our expert staff complete the installation with lighting, sound, media, and displays from our own collection. Of course, none of these special exhibits would be possible without our sponsors, whom we recognize at each exhibit, online, and in each Newsline. It is through their generosity that we have been able to provide the most interesting and informative exhibits for our fellow Mississippians.

[ [

[ [ Crayfish - Hobbseus valleculus Unloading the Monsters of the Deep Exhibit

Photo by James Patterson

MMNS staff installingA T.rex Named Sue Exhibit

Traveling exhibit awaits uncrating

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Visitor Access P R E S C H O O L C H I L D R E N MON-FRI 1-4pmSAT 9:30am-12NooN & 1-4pmSUN 1-4pmT I M E F O R T W O S ( A G E S 2 & U N D E R )2nd TUE 1-4pmS T O R Y T I M E ( A G E S 3 T O 5 )WED 1:15, 2:15, & 3:15pm (AUG-MAY)tue aNd thu 10:15 & 11:15am (JUNE-JULY)

Reserved Group Access Reserved Group Classes JANUARY

“What’s Not to Like!” (a fun study of reptiles) Children will discover that there are many kinds of reptiles - turtles, alligators, lizards, crocodiles, snakes, dinosaurs, etc... They will note their unique characteristics and behaviors.

SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULEIn June and July, class times are 9:00, 9:45, and 10:30am, Wednesday and Friday only. Call Joan Elder for reservations (601-354-7303 ext. 136).

REGULAR CLASS SCHEDULEIn August through May, class times are 9:00, 9:45, and 10:30am, Monday through Friday.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER“Yummy Plants! Let’s Eat!” (a study of herbivores) Children will appreciate the diversity of plant-eating animals (herbivores); they will be able to identify many of them. Also, they understand that other animals eat only meat (carnivores) or a combination of meat and plants (omnivores).

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER “Legs, Legs, and More Legs!” (fun with animal legs) Children will understand the importance of a key adaptation - legs! They will note a wide variety of legs.

Discovery Room JUNE-AUGUST“MAPP!” – a study of marine animals past and present! Children will appreciate the diversity of marine animals from ancient times to present day.

*The Preschool Room is open when a staff member or a volunteer is available. Schedule subject to change.

Come On Outside! Visit the Museum’s

Native Plant Garden and nature trails to experience the wonders of the season in Mississippi. You’ll find trail markers and signs identifying plants and habitats. So come on outside and discover

the rich variety of Mississippi flora!

Fish FeedingMeet some of our most fascinating aquarium

inhabitants, every Tuesday and Friday at 10am, and Sunday at 2pm.

Creature FeaturesScheduled or spontaneous,

these informal programs feature live or mounted

animals. Scheduled every Saturday at 10am and 2pm,

Creature Features make learning fun!

First TuesdaysNaturalist Lecture Series

On the first Tuesday of the month (except Dec and Jan), the Museum offers lectures

addressing a variety of natural science subjects. Unless noted

otherwise, the lectures take place from 12NooN to 1pm in the

Museum’s Rotwein Theater.

Lectures are free to Museum Foundation members or regular admission visitors. Please show

your membership card at the gate. Regular Museum fee:

$5 for adults; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children;

$2 for students with teachers. Members also receive a ten percent discount at The Dragonfly Shoppe.

Ongoing

First SaturdaysAudubon Bird Walks

On the first Saturday of the month (except Dec and Jan)

join experienced birders and Jackson

Audubon Society members for a walk on the wild side.

Bird walks for family groups and beginners are from

8am to 10am at Lefleur’s Bluff State Park Campground.

Fee: $3. For more information, call Mary Stevens at 601.956.7444.

WET and WILD CEU Credits for Teachers

The Museum offers two environmental education programs, Project WILD

and Project WET, with CEU credits available. For details,

contact Angel Rohnke or Rebecca Jones at 601-354-7303.

Teacher Workshops JUL 20 - Project WET WorkshopJUL 21 - WILD about Reptiles

JUL 22 - Aquatic WILD JUL 23 - Flying WILD

Teacher ResourcesTo schedule a workshop or field

trip, reserve a resource kit, download classroom materials,

or learn more about how our Museum can help meet your

classroom needs, call 601-354-7303 or visit www.msnaturalscience.org.

Teachers

Ongoing

JUN 13-JAN 8, 2010 • special exhibit Monsters of the DeepThe exhibit includes displays from aquatic prehistory to the whales, sharks and turtles that inhabit our oceans today. Don’t miss the 21 foot, fleshed-out, 50-million year old toothed Zygorhiza whale!

JUN 19 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysTracks & Signs

JUN 26 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysUnder the Sea

JUL 3 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysGiants of the Deep

JUL 4 • sat • holidayMuseum Closed

JUL 7 • tUe • 12noon–1pm • lectURe Fishing for Dinosaurs: Sturgeon Conservation In MississippiSPEAKER: Todd Slack, Ph.D.Research Fishery Biologist, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg

Coveted for its meat and especially its eggs, the Gulf Sturgeon was on the brink of extinction not so long ago. In 1991, it was listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act and its numbers have slowly begun to rebound. Dr. Slack will bring us up to date on the status and threats to Gulf Sturgeon populations in Mississippi based on 10 years of work conducted on the Pascagoula River System and the coastal waters of Mississippi.

JUL 10 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysJaws or No Jaws

JUL 17 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun Fridays Monsters Then & Now

JUL 20 • mon • woRkshopProject WET Teacher WorkshopLocated at the Museum; pre-registration is required by July 14, 2009; 601-354-7303

JUL 21 • tUe • woRkshopWILD about Reptiles Teacher WorkshopLocated at the Museum; pre-registration is required by July 14, 2009; 601-354-7303

JUL 22 • wed • woRkshopAquatic WILD Teacher WorkshopLocated at the Museum; pre-registration is required by July 14, 2009; 601-354-7303

JUL 23 • thU • 9am–3:30pm • woRkshopFlying WILD Teacher WorkshopLocated at the Museum; pre-registration is required by July 14, 2009; 601-354-7303

JUL 24 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysLittle Monsters

JUL 31 • FRi • 10am–12noon Fun FridaysJaws

AUG 4 • tUe • 12noon–1pm • lectURe Freshwater Monsters: Alligator Gar Research, Restoration, ManagementSPEAKER: Ricky CampbellHatchery Manager, Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery, Tupelo

The Alligator Gar is a primitive fish of Mississippi waters and the southeastern United States. It is the largest species of gar and the largest exclusively fresh-water fish in North America reaching 10 feet in length and 300 lbs. Although these fish are extremely tough, and well adapted to the big river systems of the Southeast, their declining numbers and the loss of suitable floodplain spawning habitats have led to restoration efforts. Ricky will talk about hatchery spawning of Alligator Gar, along with restoration activities in West Tennessee.

SEP 1 • tUe • 12noon–1pm • lectURe Monsters of The Deep from the Gulf of Mexico: Are they Really Monsters?SPEAKER: Jim S. FranksSenior Research Scientist, Center for Fisher-ies Research and Development, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory of the University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, MS

What is known about the sea creatures that live in the depths of the world’s oceans, and why are some of them thought of as monsters? Do these creatures have to be BIG to be called a Monster, or does size matter? This presentation will attempt to answer these questions and will examine the biology, habitats and unusual behavior of deep sea beasts, particularly those that live in the Gulf of Mexico.

SEP 7 • mon • holidayMuseum Closed

SEP 10 • thU • 4pm–7pmTeachers’ Back-to-School NightTeachers - this is a great way to start the new school year! Get resource materials, program ideas, and activities that can be used to bring environmental and natural resource education into the classroom.

SEP 25 • FRi • 8am–3pm • eventMake a SplashThis fun, interactive water day allows students to explore a diversity of water-related topics.

OCT 6 • tUe • 12noon–1pm • lectURe Sharks of the Gulf of Mexico: Menace or Misunderstood?SPEAKER: Dr. Glen ParsonsProfessor of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford

If you want to learn about the common sharks of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the rarely seen denizens of the deep Gulf, then don’t miss this

talk. Dr. Parsons will present information on some of the myths surrounding sharks, how to avoid shark attacks, and information on some of the threatened/endangered sharks that prowl Mississippi coastal waters.

OCT 31 • sat • 10am–12noon • eventSlither, Crawl & FlyLearn about the creatures that surround us, including snakes, spiders, and bats.

NOV 3 • tUe • 12noon–1pm • lectURe Protecting Sea Turtles, Ships, and Shores SPEAKER: Dena DickersonResearch Biologist, Environmental Laboratory, USACE, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg

Dredging operations, such as deepening shipping channels and protecting eroding shorelines, may be putting threatened and endangered sea turtles and their nesting habitats at risk. Dena Dickerson will discuss dredging equipment and protocols, developed over

the past 25 years, to protect sea turtles in the U.S. as well as around the world.

NOV 26 & 27 • thU & FRiMuseum Closed

DEC 5 • sat • 10am–12noon • eventChristmas for the BirdsCreate natural ornaments to help feed the birds in winter months. All ages invited.

DEC 12 • sat • 10am–12noon • eventNature-Made Christmas Enjoy the beauty of the season by making hand-crafted ornaments from natural and recycled objects. All ages invited.

DEC 24 & 25 • thU & FRi • holidayMuseum Closed

JAN 8, 2010 • special exhibit Monsters of the Deep The exhibit closes.

*Dates are subject to change. Please call the Museum at 601-354-7303 to confirm an event.

Preschool: The Museum’s “hands-on” Preschool Discovery Room is designed specifically for pre-kindergartners, ages 3-5. The Preschool Room is open when a staff member or volunteer is available. The schedule is subject to change. Please inquire.

Call601.354.7303

for information, reservations& resources

Photo by: Mike Smith, Coastal Fish Replicas Occelated Frogfish from the Gulf of MexicoGulf Sturgeon from the Pascagoula River

Sandbar Shark - Carcharhinus milberti

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

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Touch Tank Critters Make Friends at Museumby Karen Dierolf, Aquatic Biologist

Come and handle live marine creatures in the Museum’s saltwater touch tank for a real hands-on experience!

A s a part of this summer’s special exhibit, Monsters of the Deep, the Museum is bringing eight different species of inter-tidal animals from behind the aquarium to your fingertips. These harmless sociable critters are ALIVE and provide a firsthand interactive encounter with nature that you won’t soon forget. Kids will have the chance to pet and get closely acquainted with some of the friendliest and most unusual critters of the sea.

Learn from our staff of scientists some fascinating facts about these mysterious creatures. For instance, horseshoe crabs probably look like scary monsters of the deep, but they are actually closely related to spiders and may have at some point saved your life! Sea urchins may have hundreds of sharp prickly spines, but some are actually quite friendly and very pettable. Did you know that starfish don’t have gills, fins, scales, eyes, or a backbone and are actually not even fish at all? Is a sea cucumber a plant or an animal? Perhaps a more interesting question is, “did that sea cucumber just spit his guts out?! Ewww!” Come visit the Museum this summer to find all the answers with the help and supervision of our team of scientists, and experience this marine petting zoo for yourself!

Swamp Things & Monstrous Improvementsby Andrew Whitehurst, Scenic Streams/Natural Areas Coordinator

W hile on the blue trail in late spring, I visited the upper slough observation deck and had a Monsters of the Deep experience. I saw a moving mass of bubbles coming down the bank toward me. When the bubbles moved into a spot of sunlight, I could see that it was a boiling mass of tiny fish, each one rolling to the surface and emitting a bubble then going back down. Then, just behind them and about a foot deeper down, a large and unmistakable form swam through the sunlight. It was a large male bowfin, Amia calva, herding a school of juveniles. The bowfin males exhibit parental care until the young reach about 4 inches in length. I read about this in fish biology texts, but had never seen it before. This group was spawned in the slough after high water.

Bowfin, like gars, have both gills and a primitive lung, so when their floodplain lakes and sloughs begin to dry up, they can stay alive long after other fish have died due to lack of dissolved oxygen. Bowfin and gar can even exist in mudholes, breathing directly from the air with their lungs. There they wait until rains fill their sloughs, or floodplain oxbow lakes. Bowfin and gar have a hard outer covering of interlocking bony plates - ganoid scales - that protect them from predators too. In the floodplains of large rivers in the southeast, they are the ultimate survivors - not glamorous, but very tough! Not considered very monstrous - but large and aquatic - river otters also visit our sloughs. They travel from the main channel of the Pearl River into backwaters to eat fish left behind when the high water goes down. Every spring, a group of otters appears when the waters recede. They go fishing in the sloughs that run along the blue and red trails. If you are quiet and go to the upper slough deck in the first couple weeks after the water goes down, you may see them early or late in the day when the trails are quiet. They are very active for a few days and move on after catching all the large shad, sunfish and catfish, leaving the smaller fish for the wading birds.

O ther news from the trails - we have installed new educational signs at two spots, the upper slough deck and halfway down the bluff stairs. Also, for his Eagle Scout project, Caleb Jones of troop 9 in Madison built and installed nature journal

boxes at the upper and lower slough observation decks. The nature journals encourage children to take in the sights and sounds on the trails and record their observations.

Children and their families have made some very thoughtful and original journal entries in the waterproof notebooks.

R ecent Eagle Scout projects include a new bridge on the river trail by Jarrett Estes of troop 8 in Jackson , and 50’ of safety railing on the blue trail by John Michael Mathis, troop 15 in Madison. A group from Scout troop 302 in Jackson came and repaired the fern garden trail and painted park benches till the paint ran out. The Belhaven College women’s soccer team volunteered two times this spring. In March, they hauled 800 lbs. of gravel to bad spots on the lower blue trail, and in April finished the bench painting in the upper park. Also, Tom Buchanan’s trash fence, built for his Northwest Rankin H.S. senior project, appears to have helped divert and corral much of the floating urban trash that invaded our sloughs during four high water events between December and April. Volunteers help us greatly on the museum trails and in the park, and their energy and enthusiasm are welcome and appreciated.

Nature Journal Box

Upper Slough Deck Educational Sign

Bluff Deck Educational SignPointed Sand Star

Short Spined Sea Urchin

Red-footed Sea Cucumber

Touch Tank

Bowfin - Illustration by Fannye Cook

10 Summer 2009 WWW.MSNATURALSCIENCE.ORG

P A T R O N S / S P O N S O R S

Summer 2009 11MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

F O U N D A T I O N / V O L U N T E E R S

Gift items featured this seasonthat coordinate with the

Monsters of the Deep Exhibit are:

SHARK TEETH FOSSILS(in a box with Museum logo)

$4.50 plus 7% sales tax

GREAT WHITE SHARK FIGURINE(by Schleich)

$5.49 plus 7% sales tax

SHARKS, SKATES, AND RAYSOF THE GULF OF MEXICO

(A FIELD GUIDE by Glenn R. Parsons)

$25.00 plus 7% sales tax

Add $3.50 shipping and handling for mail orders. Don’t forget,

Foundation Members receive a 10% discount!

SteadfastSupporters

Special thanks go to the following for their support of the current exhibit:

Monsters of the DeepGertrude C. Ford FoundationMr. and Mrs. Dudley Hughes

Janet & Luther Ott Charitable Fund of the Community

Foundation of Greater JacksonThe Walker Foundation

The Chisholm Foundation Feild Cooperative Associates, Inc.

Nissan of North AmericaSanderson Farms, Inc.

Regions BankDr. & Mrs. Steve Zachow

Dr. Ollye B. Shirley

Without loyal patrons and sponsors,

our work would be impossible.

$50,000–$100,000

BellSouthMagalen O. Bryant

& Tara Wildlife ManagementCommunity Foundation of Greater Jackson

ChevronEntergy

Environmental Protection AgencyFriede Goldman

Gannett Foundation/The Clarion-LedgerGertrude C. Ford Foundation

Phil Hardin FoundationMr. & Mrs. Dudley Hughes

Irby CompaniesRichard McRae, Jr., Family

Mississippi Chemical CorporationMississippi Farm Bureau Federation

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/Shell Marine Habitat Program

Dr. & Mrs. Steve Zachow

$100,000–$200,000

Abe Rotwein FamilyThe Chisholm Foundation

Regions BankDeposit Guaranty/AmSouth

FoundationErgon

Bryant MatherMississippi Museum

of Natural Science FoundationU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

$25,000–$50,000

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiBureau of Land ManagementDelta and Pine Land CompanyFoundation for the Mid SouthGeorgia-Pacific Corporation

International Paper FoundationJackson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Merrill Lynch Mississippi Power Company

Mississippi Valley Gas CompanyMolpus Woodlands Group

Paul T. BentonPlum Creek Foundation

Pruet CompaniesTrustmark National Bank

U.S. Department of TransportationU.S. Forest Service

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Van DevenderWalker Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. Julian WienerWeyerhaeuser Company Foundation

Yazoo Mississippi Delta Levee Board

$10,000–$25,000

The Armstrong FoundationBancorpSouth FoundationBetsy & Wade CreekmoreCellular South Foundation

Feild Cooperative Association Howard Industries, Inc.

Mississippi Arts CommissionMS Department of Environmental Quality

Mississippi Forestry AssociationMississippi Forestry Foundation

National Geographic Society Education FoundationNissan of North America, Inc.

Sanderson FarmsSoterra LLC

Sprint PCS/US UnwiredSt. Dominic Health ServicesThe Straddlefork Foundation

Wild Turkey Federation

LifeJan A. AllinderAlex Alston, Jr.John E. Ashcraft, Jr.Sam BeibersKatie BriggsPolly BriggsMagalen O. BryantKevin CaldwellMr. & Mrs. Bill CookOpal H. DakinMarianne &

Jack DempseyTheo DinkinsHalla Jo EllisBillie M. EllisonSylvia Ann FinmanMr. & Mrs.

Wesley GoingsMr. & Mrs. Chris HallMr. & Mrs.

Richard HardingPaul HartfieldEmily HartfieldMatthew Holleman, IIIMichael &

Janice LeBlancWilliam L. LeeJennie McIntoshMr. & Mrs.

David McMillinJohn PalmerJackie & Avery RollinsSuzanne RotweinRosalie RotweinJames E. StaryCarol & Cavett Taff

Richard VavrickEllan VavrickRobert &

Janice WhiteheadWilliam Roberts

Wilson, Jr.Dr. & Mrs.

Steve Zachow

Sustaining($1,000 or more)

Ms. Magalen BryantBetsy &

Wade CreekmoreHiram &

Elizabeth CreekmoreDeborah J. DawkinsRobert Fairbank, Jr.Dr. Ronald A. JavitchRenee LichtenhanMelissa &

David PattersonCatchings B. SmithScott & Joye SteeleLance & Beth Stevens

Friend($100 or more)

Murphy & Ruth AdkinsDavid BowenCharles & Becky

BrasfieldHaley FisackerlyMr. & Mrs. W. A. HaysMichelle Petro PharrDr. Lewis F. RogersMike Schmidt

Mary Elizabeth SmithGranville &

Sue Allen TateHarriet &

Aaron TrubmanDon & Patsy WestDr. & Mrs.

Christopher WiggsDr. & Mrs.

John D. Wofford

Family($100 or more)

Whitney AdamsHayden

Barber & FamilyAmy BatesMelanie BillmarScott BlassingameCarrie BlountDaniel & Linda BreaultChrysler CarterWill ConnerDavid CookMaggie CraveyLea CrongeyerDr. Phillip DancyDock & Kelsey DanielJeff & Kim DowningRick & Susan DresslerAllan EdgarJeff & Caryn FitzgeraldEric GeorgeStephanie GrayJohn GriffinDora Harris

Dorothy & John Hawkins

Michael & Sharen Hebert

Lauren HowellWarren &

Becky HusbandTom & Patsy HylandMarilyn JoinerStan & Dawn JonesPat & Kathy JoyceLinda KaySharon KendrickChris &

Dharon KoeppelChrissy MaggioKellee MallordMurphy &

Axelinta MartinSandra MathisJohn McBridePatrick &

Danelle McKinnisPatsy McLendonWill McCraneyKatie MeadorElizabeth MehrleKathy MerrellConnie & Rick MooreMatt &

Mary Clay MorganWendi NopperRachael OlmsteadSteve PageBrad & Anna PlattDemetria RaperRandal Reeves

Blair & Nick ReidJimmy &

Marilyn RoyalsIlana SchuetzleBrad & Laura SmithMark SmithRandall SmithAnn SomersJames E. StarnesAlexia ThompsonElizabeth TiceChad & Beth VickeryDarryl &

Sarah WaltmanCandice WatsonWill WhiteGuy WilkinsMatt &

Kathy Wolvington

Individual($100 or more)

Amy Steadman

Exhibit SponsorsMonsters of the DeepGertrude C.

Ford FoundationMr. and Mrs.

Dudley HughesJanet & Luther Ott Charitable Fund

of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson

The Walker Foundation

The Chisholm Foundation

Feild Cooperative Associates, Inc.

Nissan of North America

Sanderson Farms, Inc. Regions BankDr. & Mrs.

Steve ZachowDr. Ollye B. Shirley

Fern Garden Exhibit SponsorsRobbie FisherLagniappe Foundation

Rosalie RotweinMemorial TrailDale & Doris AndersonMary Evelyn BellOpal DakinMarianne DempseyHalla Jo EllisSean Wesley EllisSylvia FinmanVirginia D. FosterDick HallLibby HartfieldJanice LarsonLinda B. LevyJennie McIntoshEllan VavrickChris Zachow

New Members/Donors

Volunteer Notesby Ann Peden, Volunteer Services

S pring marked the beginning of regular data collecting as the volunteer community noted the presence (or absence!) of butterflies at several sites on the Museum grounds. Volunteers helped install, and will also maintain, a new section of our Native Plant Garden, highlighting butterflies and pollinators. In addition to our “Hike and Learn” series, these activities help us to see the dynamic nature of LeFleur’s Bluff Park, to mark seasonal changes, track trends, and simply enjoy being outside! Volunteers are sharing our delight in learning about the natural world with visitors at special events. NatureFEST and International Migratory Bird Day were huge successes thanks to the support of 45 volunteers. Special thanks to Steve West, Don West, Clyde Hare, Joy Rushing, Lewis Rogers, Darrien Kelly, Nick Winstead and Andrew Whitehurst.

Welcome new volunteers: Trish Anderson, Lewis Rogers, Robin Persons, Bill Collins, Virginia Lee Cora, Sandra and Steve West, Jalen Day, Darrien Kelly, Brooke Nash, Kristina Young, Matthew Matranga, Cherish Forsman, Daniel Hill, Marquissa

Anderson, Sheila Thompson, Jana Mertens, Kelly Hamilton, Courtney Allen, and Mariah Taylor. Farewell to two interns, Jamie Sclafani (a research assistant with aquarist Mike Stegall) and Audrey Plaisance (education assistant) and welcome to intern Josh Conlee who will assist with Mike’s field work, studying long-eared sunfish. Congratulations to the following volunteers whose faithful service, talent and enthusiasm make the Museum a fun place to visit: Anna Jo Hennen, 100 hours; Jim Leonard, 100 hours; Anantha Sivasubramaniam, 100 hours; Flo Scanlon, 300 hours. Join us as we enjoy our visiting exhibit Monsters of the Deep. New volunteers must complete a volunteer application and orientation, so contact Ann Peden at ann.peden@mmns.state.ms.us or 601-354-7303 to get started!

FOU N DAT ION

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation is the lifeblood of our Museum,

providing man power, financial assistance, and

moral support. The Foundation Board of Directors

invites you to join today!

O F F I C E R SChris Zachow

presiDent

Alex Alston, Jr.vice presiDent

Janice LarsonsecretAry/treAsurer

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

George Allen

Alex Alston, Jr.Paul Benton

Betsy CreekmoreOpal Dakin

Marianne DempseyHalla Jo Ellis

Sean Wesley EllisDick Hall

Dick HardingLibby Hartfield

Matt Holleman, IIIJanice LarsonJennie McIntoshGabrielle OttAshley ParkerAvery RollinsOllye Brown ShirleyCatchings B. SmithSheila SmithPhillip StreetChris Zachow

B E N E F I T S O F M E M B E R S H I PAll members enjoy free admission

to the Museum, invitations to members-only events, a subscription to our newsletter, and discounts at the Dragonfly Shoppe. Higher levels of membership receive additional

benefits, such as public recognition of their contributions, additional

admission passes, and even the private use of Museum facilities.

And all memberships entitle you to free admission to more than 200 other

museums nationwide through a reciprocal membership program.

Call 601.354.7303 for more information.

GIFT SHOP HOURSMON-SAT 9am-4pm

SUN 1-4pm

The Dragonfly Shoppe is a MS Museum of Natural Science Foundation sponsor.

Gift Shop

Join MMNS Today! The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation was established to support the mission of the Museum through fundraising and volunteer efforts. We invite you to join us in preserving the best of Mississippi’s natural world. Individual memberships start at $35.NatureFEST 2009 - Photo by James Patterson

Libby Hartfield and Luther Ott with the Greater Jackson Community Foundation

12 Summer 2009

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PA I D

Jackson, Miss.

permit no. 932

WWW.MSNATURALSCIENCE.ORG [The mission of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is to promote understanding and appreciation of Mississippi’s biological diversity through collections, research, scientific databases, education, and exhibits; and to inspire the people of our state to respect the environment and to preserve natural Mississippi.

[

The A-MAZE-ING Water Journey

Our latest outdoor exhibit stands just outside the Museum atrium ready to receive individual or group exploration. Mazes are powerful learning tools and this giant one is no exception.

The synergy between the physical act of exploring a maze while mentally interacting with the curriculum, engages and educates

visitors of all ages and creates a memorable experience.

The A-MAZE-ING Water Journey exhibit coordinates with our current feature exhibit Monsters of the Deep

and provides a unique journey of exploration, scientific inquiry, artistic expression and action! Spin the wheel, search the maze.

Experience the science behind water purity, and realize the power each individual has to make a difference.

MUSEUM HOURS MON-FRI 8am to 5pm SAT 9am to 5pm SUN 1pm to 5pm

ADMISSION Adults: $5 School Groups of 10 or more: $2/person Children 3-18: $3 Children Under 3: FREE Senior Citizens 60 & over: $4 Members: FREE

CALL 601.354.7303VISIT WWW.MSNATURALSCIENCE.ORG

I-55 at Lakeland Drive—within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park—

From Interstate-55, take Exit 98B heading east on Lakeland.

Turn south onto Highland Drive and left at the Park entrance.

Pay admission at the gatehouse.

Location

Maze photo by James Patterson